David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Andrew Mitchell apart, you rarely see a politician on a bike.
Which is funny, simply because political parties really like cycling. It plays to crucial agendas such as well being and the environment and it is an simple win as far as boosting green credentials is concerned.
The outgoing coalition government put its cash where its mouth was with £1 million of backing for a campaign to assist individuals cycle more safely by providing them the expertise to repair and preserve their bikes.
On yer bike
The Big Bike Revival, masterminded by cycling charity CTC, aims to encourage much more folks to dig out their old bike and rediscover the joys of cycling.
The campaign begins in earnest in Might, when would-be cyclists will be in a position to take their bike to a participating re-cycle centre.
They can then understand how to fix and preserve the bike, or trade it in for a different model.
Men and women will also be in a position to find out about cycle instruction and other activities in the location. You will even be capable to donate any unwanted bicycles.
Pollution resolution
Announcing the government backing, Robert Goodwill, the coalition’s transport minister, mentioned: “We are severe about getting folks on their bike – cycling is great for our wellness and indicates less-congested cities and less pollution.
“Now spring has arrived, there is no far better time to bring out that bike gathering dust in the shed.
“The Massive Bike Revival will help you sort out the punctures and minor mechanical troubles that we have all used as an excuse not to get out on 2 wheels.”
Saddle sore
In 2013, 42% of adults in Britain had access to a bicycle, however 63% had not ridden in the preceding year. But 37% say they could simply swap the automobile for the bike for short journeys of much less than 2 miles.
A CTC pilot project in October 2014 proved a big good results, attracting a lot more than 1,300 men and women to 10 centres across West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Liverpool.
A final list of participating re-cycle centres will be accessible in May possibly – watch this space.
Ride and park
The outgoing government also announced a further £15 million on improvements to cycle facilities at nearly 300 railway stations across the country.
The money will spend for an added 7,500 cycle parking spaces at 279 stations, tripling the number of cycle parking spaces at stations considering that 2010.
Main stations set to benefit from a grant contain Derby, Lincoln, Dorking, Preston and Rugby.
There will also be a new cycle route and 300 cycle parking spaces in Cheltenham Spa.
Cyclists gear up for Massive Bike Revival
